hidden burdens of concussions and Science Communication

By: Hollis Lyman
​IG @unlimitedforcetraining 
Hollis.Lyman@du.edu

Edited by: Christina M. Swords (Marvin)

A Surprise Diagnosis for an Inmate

Marchell Taylor Sr. had been out of prison for 4 years in January 2016, but he longed to return. He felt that “no one valued him anymore, he wasn’t important, all his relationships were damaged, [and] he was a financially broke business founder.” He needed an escape, and found himself back in prison after an aggravated robbery with a second-degree kidnapping charge. Mr. Taylor had gotten his wish, and his need for escaping life escalated into a suicide attempt that left his unconscious for five days. 

While in prison, Mr. Taylor’s friend and confidant, C.A. Shively, visited him and pleaded with him to see value in his life. The two friends would eventually become business partners. Their conversations encouraged Mr. Taylor to contact mental health staff and he entered “the Men’s Mental Health Transition Unit” in the Denver County Jail. In this program, he received neuropsychological screening from the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado, then led by Dr. Kim Gorgens at the University of Denver. Another health professional, Dr. Natsumi Minagawa, provided a mental health assessment of Mr. Taylor. The diagnosis would change the trajectory of his life. ​

Mr. Taylor was diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and several psychological disorders and dysfunctions. Simplistically, he was a 47 year old man with a brain functioning more like a 10 year old child’s. 

Many people associate brian injuries with professional athletes and car accidents. However, TBI is even more prevalent in vulnerable populations and these incidents rarely get the same attention in the media. Communicating the relevance and importance of TBI should be a major goal for neuroscientists and psychologists, as there is a great need for more research into TBI off of sports fields. Continue reading for more information and links to resources for scientists and the public.  ​

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